Self-leveling drip catcher for fluid containers

Abstract

A self-leveling drip catcher for fluid containers. The apparatus comprises an elongated neck and a fluid containment portion at the bottom of the neck. An opening is provided in the top of the neck to releasably attach the apparatus to the fluid container. The fluid containment portion is designed to catch the fluid dispensed from the fluid container which is not received in a drinking receptacle. The fluid is received by the fluid containment portion and is collected therein. The apparatus provides a center of gravity for maintaining a level and balanced equilibrium and substantially vertical orientation when fluid is received into the fluid containment portion.

Description

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to drip catchers and, more particularly, to a device that is designed to self level as it catches or receives excess water or other fluid unintentionally dispensed from the nozzle of a fluid container when the fluid container is not in use or not received into an intended drinking receptacle.II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002]Water coolers and similar drink dispensers have been around for many years. Of the various sizes and shapes available, the typical water cooler provides a reservoir for containing purified or distilled water or other fluid and a nozzle for dispensing this fluid from the reservoir into a glass, plastic cup, or any other type of receptacle for drinking. The nozzle provided in these water coolers or fluid containers utilizes a lever that may be articulated between an open position to release the fluid from the reservoir through the nozzle and into the drinking receptacle and a closed position to stop ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Still another object of the invention is to provide a drip catcher device that is safe and easy to use.

Problems solved by technology

The problem with these types of nozzles is that, after the water cooler or drink dispenser has dispensed water or fluid through the nozzle and the nozzle is articulated back to the closed position, the water or fluid that remains in the nozzle continues to flow or drip out of the nozzle.

As this excess water or fluid accumulates, a pool of water / fluid is created which presents a hazardous walking condition that may ultimately cause injury to those persons that pass by or use the water cooler or fluid container who slip or fall on the substance.

Additionally, this pool of water / fluid may be caused by the drinking receptacle being filled to high with the excess water / fluid overflowing out of the drinking receptacle and / or the nozzle being accidentally articulated thereby dispensing water / fluid directly onto the floor.

Thus, there is a need and there has never been disclosed Applicant's unique self-leveling drip catcher for water coolers or fluid containers.

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